The Key of Spare
Herein lies the tale of our hero who sought to go outside to complete a step in a task and got more than she bargained for.
She had located a suitable recipe for homemade oatmeal bread with which to repay her hosts, Sir Sam and Lady Kirsten, for their generosity in opening their castle to her. But the required ingredients were nowhere to be found! Puzzled on how to complete her task, she contacted the Sir and Lady for their assistance. They indicated that there was a spare supply of gold that could be used towards the ingredients, and a store full of treasures within walking distance of their castle. The Lady added that there was a Key of Spare left for our hero that would conquer the ward placed on their gates.
Excellent, our hero thought. This will be a simple task. Armed with the gold, her trusty armor, and a bowl-shaped weapon to keep off the elements, she ventured forth to the store. After a short while, she returned to the gates of the castles, weighted down with a sack of treasured ingredients. Now she would be able to thank her hosts properly.
She raised the Key of Spare and issued the call that would allow her entrance again.
The gates stood firm.
Our hero frowned. This was not as expected. Perhaps the Key of Spare's power was utilized on another set of gates! Certainly that was the case.
Ten minutes later, the gates of the castle still stood firm. All of the gates had resisted the power of the Key of Spare. Could it be a sham, sold to Lady Kirsten by a treacherous goblin? She must warn the Lady of this! Her communication stone was true, and soon she was explaining her dilemma to the Lady herself. Lady Kirsten was distraught. How could she have left our hero with a faulty key? She was in another kingdom handling diplomatic relations, but perhaps Sir Sam could be of assistance. Using her knowledge, she gave our hero the information needed to contact the knight.
Another spell was cast on the communication stone. She held her breath until the knight's voice could be clearly heard through the stone. He chuckled when he heard of the obstacle in her path.
"Do not despair. My parents' castle is nearby, past the store from earlier. There should be a keeper there that can give you the true Key of Spare."
The true Key of Spare? It did exist? Our hero was dubious, but saw no reason to doubt Sir Sam. She placed the treasured ingredients under the eaves of the parapets and covered them with her armor. Perhaps the elements would spare the treasure if she was quick enough. She trekked past the treasured store and past a house of worship before the new castle came into view, its foliage a welcome sight. But what is this? No keeper at the gates! Our hero contacted Sir Sam again. "Ah," he said, "not to worry. Let me guide you through their dungeon."
Our hero was given the code to the dungeon and instructions on where to find the gate key. She scurried past the covered mass of parts, careful to not disturb anything. Sir Sam guided her through the location of the gate key, and the navigation of the castle to find the legendary Key of Spare, with only a slight panicked moment where her communicator ceased to have contact with him.
Armed with what should be the true key, Sir Sam wished her luck. Our hero was emboldened. Perhaps the end of the quest was within sight! Past a sleeping dragon! Past the store of treasures! Past the house of worship! The weather had started to realize her dilemma, but the bowl-shaped weapon bequeathed to her by Sir Sam held off the might of nature.
Their castle was as she had left it, the treasures and trusty hoodie sitting safely upon the doorstep. Would the Fabled Key of Spare work? Would she regain access to the castle?
She took a deep breath and aimed the Key of Spare, its label of "SAM" facing the castle wall. Perhaps its power would be true. The ritualistic motions were accompanied by prayers to the gods, promising sacrifice if they would take pity on her.
The lock turned. A click sounded. With a gentle push, the gate swung open.
The legend was true. There was a Key of Spare. Our hero gathered her trusty armor and bowl-shaped weapon, cradling the treasure she had acquired, and carried it past the threshold, locking the gates behind her.